Paris Saint-Germain came close to winning the club’s first UEFA Champions League trophy in 2020. It’s been a few years since that run to the final before losing to Bayern Munich, and stories are coming out of that run.
Former PSG midfielder Ander Herrera recently spoke on Colinterview and shared an interesting anecdote from that year. After UEFA paused the competition due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tournament resumed, with Lisbon serving as the host city. Herrera notes that Neymar Jr. played a vital role on the pitch and off it.
“2020 PSG? In Lisbon, that month locked in the hotel made something special into the team and group,” Herrera said. “Thanks to Ney as well, because Neymar, people don’t see him as a leader but he was. He is a fantastic person. He became a leader that month in the hotel.”
“Ney brought the team together. He really wanted to do something special. Finally, we were not able to do it (winning the Champions League that year), but we were so close.”
Ander Herrera: “2020 PSG? In Lisbon, that month locked in the hotel made something special into the team and group. Thanks to Ney as well, because Neymar, people don’t see him as a leader but he was. He is a fantastic person, he became a leader that month in the hotel.”
“Ney… pic.twitter.com/KCfBvDt9ef
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) November 12, 2023
The Ligue 1 giants will look to get back to the final. Over the last two seasons, the Parisians have fallen in the round of 16. As a result, PSG has further distanced itself from another final appearance.
Nonetheless, the capital club hopes their recent transfer policy changes will lead to them building a team that can eventually lift the trophy they have long aspired to win.
